Being white, they don't need painting (6)
I believe the answer is:
lilies
I'm afraid I can't even guess how this answer relates to the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for lilies that I've seen before include "bloomers" , "Flowering plants" , "Flowers for when 'e is ill" , "Plants with showy pendulous flowers" , "'Showy flowers, most have a strong smell (6)'" .)